Title

Authors

Date of this Version

June 1966

Comments

Nebraska Conservation Bulletin
Number 32
Published by The University of Nebraska
Conservation and Survey Division. Lincoln, NE. Reprinted June 1966.

Abstract

Nebraska is not to be classified as a forested state since less than 3 per cent of the area of the state is covered by natural timber. However our native forest trees are numerous as to different kinds and their distribution in the state is characterized by many interesting facts. The every-day life of our people is not so commonly associated with trees as is that of peoples in the more wooded states where lumbering and the wood-working industries are very important occupations because of the proximity of great forests of coniferous or broadleaved trees. The people of Nebraska use the wood produced by certain native or introduced trees for fuel, fenceposts, poles, and in some cases it is even sawed into lumber. Trees are also very widely used for shelterbelts or windbreaks and for plating along the roadside or street and for beautifying our premises. The extremes of climatic variations which frequently become more or less uncomfortable in either winter or summer are considerably ameliorated by the presence of trees about our homes and farms. The thousands of fine, planted groves dotted over this state have done much to make our broad prairies more inhabitable as well as more beautiful. So, in various ways, the people of Nebraska are brought into a more or less intimate association with trees and many become greatly interested in knowing the different kinds of trees that add so much to the joy as well as the profit of living. Botanists have studied the trees of Nebraska for many years so that our trees are well known to that class of citizens. Considerable has also been written about Nebraska trees, but a simple and well illustrated guide which would enable anyone to identify our trees and to become better acquainted with them has never before been published. The chief purpose of this little book is to offer a ready and direct means for the identification of our native and commoner introduced trees and to supply information about the same of the kind which is being continually requested of the department of botany.